Volkswagen has worked hard to appeal to American drivers by ‘Americanizing’ the newest Jetta and Passat offerings. Both cars have significantly lower base prices and provide good content for the money. To read my articles on these cars visit: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Upscale with Audi elements but with a lower price and 2012 Volkswagen Passat: For American eyes only.
Some car enthusiasts have expressed concern that the new American Volkswagens have lost some of their German mojo. Therefore, Volkswagen has decided to provide the U.S. with the European version of the Golf R.
So what does the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R have to offer?
The car is available as a 2 or 4-door hatchback and it will transport four adults comfortably.
Last year’s Golf R’s R32 V6 engine is gone. The engine is now the familiar 2.0-liter turbo inter-cooled four-cylinder making 256 hp and 243 ft. lb. of torque. This is the most powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder from Volkswagen for the U.S. to date. The power is delivered to the road through a 4Motion all-wheel drive system with limited slip differential. The only transmission is a six-speed manual box. The R’s 0-60 mph time is in 5.8 seconds and the top speed is 130 mph.
The exterior provides an integrated body kit. Below the front bumper are three large air intakes. The bi-xenon headlights and black grille provide a straight forward and ready to run look. The LED running lights provide an eye catching detail. At the rear, the taillights extend into the hatch. A spoiler lip at the top of the hatch provides sporting intensions that are furthered by the dual exhaust exiting near the center of the car.
The interior provides a ‘driver’s environment as the seats are supportive and have generous side bolsters. The chairs have a good blend of firmness and comfort. The gauges are large and clear. There is a navigation system with voice recognition, air conditioning and power windows and door locks. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is leather wrapped. The dash and doors are finished in high quality materials with attention to detail throughout. This Volkswagen has a bit of an Audi look inside by way of the chrome ringed gauges and air vents, and its sport steering wheel. The rear 40/60 split seats folds flat to extend the cargo area.
The brakes are vented discs at all four corners measuring 13.6 inches up front and 12.2 inches at the rear. The 60-0 mph stopping distance will be in 110 feet or less. The wheels are Talladega alloys with 225 40 18 inch rubber.
The suspension is independent and includes MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear.
On the road this new Golf R benefits from dropping the last V6 as the four-cylinder engine is lighter thus making the car more nimble The all-wheel drive system delivers all the engine’s power to the road without any torque steer. The car’s rack is quick but weighted nicely. The ride is buttoned down on twisty roads but provides excellent ride quality on the highway.
The Golf R’s standard safety features include front air and curtain bags, front and rear head airbags, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution, plus traction and stability control.
The gas mileage for the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R is 19 city and 27 mpg highway.
Overall, the VW Golf R provides a highly satisfying driving experience for the entire day. Thus, it will do long distance cruising on the highway without taxing the driver or passengers and it will provide much enjoyment on twisty two-lane roads. This is a car that will continue to grow on the driver as the miles rack up.
The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R’s price will start at about $30,000. Somewhat expensive yes! However, no other German car will offer as much driving pleasure for the money.
View the slideshow to see the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R inside and out!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.